When Cruz Azul Fútbol Club slipped a solitary goal past Club Puebla de la Franja on Thursday night, the league’s 2019‑20 calendar suddenly felt a lot more interesting.
The match – officially recorded as Clausura 2019 Jornada 1: Puebla vs Cruz AzulEstadio Cuauhtémoc – kicked off at 20:05 UTC‑6 in Puebla, Mexico. A modest crowd of roughly 31,200 fans (well short of the venue’s 51,726‑seat capacity) packed the historic stadium to watch the league’s first showdown of the season.
Background to the 2019 Clausura
The Liga MX season is split into two half‑year tournaments – Apertura and Clausura. The Clausura 2019 ran from early January through May, featuring all 18 top‑flight clubs in a single round‑robin. The top 12 would later battle in the Liguilla (playoffs) for the championship.
Going into the launch, Cruz Azul was widely tipped as a title contender. After a six‑year league drought, the club had bolstered its squad with a few key signings and installed Portuguese tactician Pedro Caixinha as head coach in December 2018. On the opposite side, Puebla entered the season looking to climb out of a disappointing 2017‑18 campaign that left them near the relegation zone. Their interim manager, Guillermo Varela, promised a more aggressive pressing style.
Matchday 1: Puebla vs Cruz Azul
Early pressure came from the hosts. Within the first ten minutes, Puebla’s winger José Juan Vázquez tried a low cross that found midfielder Héctor Moreno at the edge of the box, but his shot clanged off the post. Cruz Azul, however, settled quickly into their rhythm, dominating possession at 57%.
The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute. A slick interplay between Andrés Guardado and Jorge Sánchez forced a defensive lapse; the ball slipped to striker Joisvaldo, who curled a right‑footed shot into the top corner. The net rippled, and the stadium erupted.
After the goal, Puebla switched to a more compact formation, dragging Cruz Azul deeper. The visitors, undeterred, pressed high and nearly doubled their lead when a header from José Juan Varela rattled the crossbar in the 62nd minute.
The final whistle sealed a 1‑0 win for Cruz Azul, giving them three points and a morale boost ahead of the grueling 17‑match run.
Key Moments and Tactical Overview
- Pressing intensity: Cruz Azul employed a 4‑3‑3 that pressed the back four aggressively, forcing Puebla into long‑range attempts.
- Set‑piece vulnerability: Puebla’s defensive line struggled on aerial duels, conceding two corners that nearly resulted in another goal.
- Midfield battle: The duel between Guardado and Puebla’s captain Luis García tilted in Cruz Azul’s favor, with Guardado completing 84 passes to García’s 61.
Statistically, the home side registered 13 shots (7 on target) compared with Cruz Azul’s 9 (5 on target). Possession was 43% for Puebla, but the visitors’ pass accuracy sat at a crisp 89%.
Reactions from Clubs and Fans
After the match, Pedro Caixinha praised his side’s discipline: “We stuck to the plan, kept the ball, and took the chance when it came. It’s a good start, but we have to stay focused.”
Guillermo Varela, on the other hand, kept a measured tone: “We fought until the end, but a single mistake cost us. The squad will learn, and we’ll bounce back in the next match.”
Fans on social media reacted with mixed emotions. Cruz Azul supporters flooded Twitter with the hashtag #VamosCemento, celebrating the win as “the first step toward breaking the championship curse.” Puebla’s faithful, while disappointed, posted messages of solidarity, using #FuerzaPuebla to urge patience.
Implications for the Rest of the Season
The narrow victory gave Cruz Azul a psychological edge. Historically, the club has excelled in season openers – winning 75% of its first‑match outings since 2010 – and this trend continued. With three points secured, they now sit atop the standings, tied on 3‑3‑0 with Club América and Tigres UANL.
Puebla, however, faces a steep climb. Their loss leaves them at the bottom of the table, with only 0‑0‑0. The club’s management will likely reassess its defensive personnel, especially the centre‑back pairing that struggled on set pieces.
Beyond the points, the match reinforced a broader narrative: Cruz Azul’s resurgence under Caixinha and Puebla’s urgent need for tactical cohesion. As the Clausura progresses, every win, draw, or loss will ripple through the Liguilla qualification race that typically sees the top 12 advance.
Historical Rivalry Stats
When you dig into the head‑to‑head archives, you’ll find that Cruz Azul has traditionally held the upper hand. Out of 39 official meetings before this encounter, they logged 15 wins, 10 draws, and 14 losses. Goal-wise, Cruz Azul has netted 57 times against Puebla’s 45.
In games played at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, the record tilts even more dramatically: Puebla managed just 4 victories, 2 draws, and 11 defeats on their home turf. Conversely, Cruz Azul boasts a respectable 11‑5‑5 away record against Puebla.
These numbers matter because they shape expectations. A win for the visiting side in Puebla is often seen as a bellwether for a strong campaign – and Cruz Azul’s 1‑0 success certainly fits that pattern.
What’s Next?
Both clubs now turn their focus to the next round of fixtures. Cruz Azul travels to Monterrey for a clash against Rayados on January 12, a match that could cement their early‑season momentum. Puebla, meanwhile, hosts Club León four days later, a test that may either spark a revival or deepen their woes.
Fans will be watching not just the scores, but the strategic adjustments. Will Caixinha double‑down on high‑pressing, or will he add a more measured approach against a defensively solid Rayados? Will Varela’s Puebla side tighten at the back or gamble with a more adventurous formation?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Clausura 2019 has already delivered drama, and the story is just getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cruz Azul's opening win affect their title hopes?
The three points put Cruz Azul at the top of the table, boosting confidence and giving them early momentum. Historically, opening‑match victories correlate with higher chances of reaching the Liguilla and even contending for the championship.
What were the key tactical differences between Puebla and Cruz Azul?
Cruz Azul employed a high‑press 4‑3‑3 to dominate possession, while Puebla opted for a more defensive 4‑4‑2 that aimed to stay compact. The visitors’ superior passing accuracy (89% vs 73%) allowed them to create the singular scoring chance.
Who scored the only goal and how?
Striker Joisvaldo netted in the 37th minute, receiving a low pass from Andrés Guardado and curling a right‑footed shot into the top corner from just inside the box.
What does the result mean for Puebla’s season outlook?
Starting the Clausura with zero points puts Puebla in a relegation‑watch zone early on. They’ll need to secure points quickly, especially against mid‑table opponents, to avoid a prolonged battle near the bottom of the standings.
When and where will the next matches for both teams be held?
Cruz Azul travels to Estadio BBVA in Monterrey to face Rayados on January 12, 2019. Puebla hosts Club León at Estadio Cuauhtémoc on January 7, 2019.
